The Immortal Terrace Auction
Qin Tian viewed Chu Xinyue as nothing more than a potential attendant. To serve him, talent was a non-negotiable prerequisite—without it, one simply lacked the qualifications.
As for sex interest? Qin Tian felt none. Perhaps his nature was inherently detached.
"The Dao scripture I've given you can cultivate a Dao Body. Such a scripture is exceedingly rare, even in the Primeval Immortal Domain," Qin Tian said, pinching Chu Xinyue's cheek with a smile.
He wasn't exaggerating. The Dao scripture he had bestowed upon both Qing Yao and Chu Xinyue was extraordinary. Even the cultivation manuals of many Heavenly Sovereigns likely paled in comparison to this scripture's ability to forge a Dao Body.
"Thank you, my lord," Chu Xinyue replied, her eyes curving into crescents as her joy became impossible to conceal.
She had always known the Dao scripture was remarkable, but learning its true value filled her with elation. Her gaze toward Qin Tian grew softer, brimming with admiration.
Where else could one find a man of such unparalleled talent, striking appearance, noble demeanor, and exceptional lineage? Compared to Qin Tian, the so-called prodigies of the Eastern Wasteland were nothing but mediocre. Not one could rival his brilliance.
Morning at the Ye Manor
"When my physique isn't awakened, my cultivation is agonizingly slow," Ye Chen murmured with a bitter smile. Due to his unawakened physique, he was infamous in Da Zhou as the Ye Manor's renowned wastrel.
The truth was, he indeed fit the title of a "waste" at the moment.
"But starting today, I, Ye Chen, will write my own legend," he declared, his excitement bubbling over as he thought of the artifact he would soon acquire.
This treasure would allow him to partially unlock his War God Physique. Even a partial awakening would suffice for now. Once the God-Demon Secret Realm opened and he claimed the mysterious Nine-Layered Ancient Pagoda, his growth would be unstoppable.
Casting a glance outside, Ye Chen quickly put on his shoes and left the Ye Manor.
In a Secluded Corner
"Thankfully, I mastered the art of disguise during my years on the run," Ye Chen muttered, inspecting his reflection with satisfaction.
During his time in the Primeval Immortal Domain, his theft of precious treasures had provoked the wrath of a powerful sect elder. Weak and vulnerable, he had purchased an ancient scripture specializing in disguise to evade relentless pursuit.
Now, Ye Chen had transformed into a burly man with a coarse voice. "With this disguise, even Divine mansion realm cultivators won't see through me," he mused.
"If my strength were greater, even a human emperor wouldn't be able to detect my true face," he added with a hint of regret.
Disguise techniques often required a strong cultivation base to reach their full potential. Though Ye Chen's ancient scripture was relatively forgiving, it still demanded some level of power.
At his current stage, his disguise was sufficient to fool Divine mansion experts. Given that human emperors were essentially non-existent in the lower realms, and Grand void realm experts were reclusive, Ye Chen's precautions were more than adequate.
With his preparations complete, Ye Chen made his way toward the Immortal Terrace Auction House, conveniently located near the Ye Manor.
A Lofty Pavilion
In an elegant pavilion overlooking the Ye Manor, Qin Tian stood with a faint smile, his gaze fixed on the spot where Ye Chen had just completed his disguise.
Beside him, a breathtakingly beautiful woman massaged his legs with a careful and practiced touch.
"Let's take a walk," Qin Tian said, stroking the small bear-like creature nestled in his arms. "Staying here is getting dull."
He was curious to see what Ye Chen intended to do. Was it another destined opportunity?
Unfortunately for Ye Chen, any such fortune was destined to belong to Qin Tian. After all, weeds should know their place.
The Immortal Terrace Auction House
The Immortal Terrace Auction House was one of Da Zhou's most prestigious establishments, boasting a storied history and deep connections to the royal family. Its formidable reputation ensured that no one dared to cause trouble within its halls.
Over the years, the auction house had handled countless valuable and practical treasures, earning the favor of Da Zhou's nobility. For this auction, catalogs featuring the items up for bidding had been distributed in advance to every major noble household.
"Look, someone from the Yun Manor has arrived!" a voice exclaimed as a majestic carriage, drawn by a Divine mansion realm beast, stopped at the entrance.
The beast's powerful aura made it clear that it was no ordinary creature.
"That's the Yun family's carriage," someone murmured. "Only Da Zhou's top-tier nobles would dare use a Spirit Palace realm beast as a mount."
The Yun family was renowned throughout Da Zhou. King of Yun, the family patriarch, was a Grand void realm powerhouse on par with Ye Wang. His son, Yun Qian, was equally formidable.
"I've heard Yun Qian is a true prodigy. At just 19, he's already reached the seventh level of the Divine realm," a middle-aged noble remarked, stroking his beard in admiration.
"Who knows if the other noble scions will make an appearance?" another speculated. Da Zhou's current generation of youths was extraordinarily gifted. Beyond the famous Princess Ji Lingxian, who was already at the Origin realm, many noble scions had reached the Divine realm, solidifying Da Zhou's reputation as a land of talent.
Ye Chen's Gaze
In the shadows near the auction house, Ye Chen's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Yun Qian as the latter stepped out of the carriage.
"Yun Qian," Ye Chen muttered, his voice tinged with cold fury.
In his past life, before his War God Physique had awakened, Yun Qian had humiliated him repeatedly.
"This time, I'll teach you what true pain feels like," Ye Chen vowed, his fists clenched tightly.
Ye Chen wasn't one to forgive and forget. He believed in settling scores, and Yun Qian's name was etched at the top of his list.
For now, he would bide his time. But in Ye Chen's eyes, Yun Qian was already as good as dead.